17U Game-Changers from the #PHSpringKickoff

<p>The #PHSpringKickoff was a solid showing of talent, with so many of our talented players all in one gym with out-of-state teams also competing and showcasing what they have. There were explosive scorers, standout big men, and lockdown defenders that we saw throughout the weekend. Here we focus on five players that saw their stock grow as they changed the game with their energy. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="759285" first="Chris" last="Schlesinger"]— Colorado Collective</strong></h2> <p>Schlesinger is a player who does all of the small things and makes all of the right plays, keeping his team in the game. At moments he’s scoring and getting involved offensively, but if the game calls for him to work hard as a rebounder and lockdown defender, then he has no problem keying in on that. Schlesinger competed hard on both ends, and that led to Colorado Collective picking up some wins. He runs the floor well, has good size, and uses his length as an advantage. Schlesinger has soft touch around the rim and a back-to-the-basket game. He does not mind being the clean-up man but also can take over when needed. He brings the energy. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047502" first="Jayden" last="Washington"] – Colorado Anarchy</strong></h2> <p>Washington is a forward that runs the floor well, plays extremely hard on the defensive end of the floor as a rim protector that can switch onto guards for a couple of seconds, and is active on the boards. Washington has great size and a good frame at 6’6 and is a disruptive and strong defender. Washington is active and always in the action and seems to be getting better and adding pieces to his game. In the Spring Kickoff, he showcased the ability to give is team extra scoring opportunities as he has a great motor and battles. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1167512" first="Brody" last="Rardin"] -- Colorado Collective </strong></h2> <p>Rardin is a combo-guard that we did not know a ton about heading into the event, but he was a player that continued to stand out by the final game. Rardin is a tough shot-taker but makes those shots. He can create for himself, make smart-reads for easy basket, and not press the issue. Rardin plays hard and had no quit in him, which gave his team creative energy. He was switching onto multiple positions and holding his own, consistently scored the ball in each game, and took care of the ball when defenses sent different looks his way. Rardin is a game-changer that we want to see more of. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1019860" first="Asher" last="Nofziger"] -- Pro Skills </strong></h2> <p>Nofziger was one of m favorite watches on the entire weekend, and he is a player that oftentimes goes under the radar as his offense isn’t loud but makes some of the most important plays in the game. Nofziger was PSB’s hardest working player this weekend as he has great length and is full of activity. Nofziger is a rebounding machine that keeps plays alive, and he competes on the defensive end of the floor. He tracks down rebounds, is not afraid to get down low and compete as he uses all of his 6’7 frame, and also had some great finishes at the rim. Nofziger makes the extra pass, does not have to have plays run for him to be effective, and is all-out until the final whistle. This was a stock-boosting event for him. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139526" first="Chase" last="Miller"] – Colorado Chaos</strong></h2> <p>Chaos had a successful event as they have plenty of players who buy-in and know exactly what is needed. Miller fits that bill as the big man did all that was asked of him, and that energy caught on. Chaos has a solid group with players that pitch into the mix. Miller competes down low, boxes out when a shot goes up, and welcomes on the dirty work. Miller has an excellent frame at 6’6 and plays above his size. He finishes well around the basket, made the extra pass when the time called for it, and also hit a couple of mid-range jumpers as well. He’s a player we want to see more of, but his energy was unmatched for the event. </p> <h2><strong>Hoku Fisher -- Pluto Prospects</strong></h2> <p>This was our first time seeing Fisher, as he plays out of state for his high school season but, I am a fan. Fisher was the X-Factor for Pluto Prospects; that was the difference between winning and losing against a scrappy Pro Skills team and a talented RoughRidersGive. He fit in seamlessly with his new group as he offered guard relief as a ballhandler, showcased his high IQ with finding holes in the defense, and also knocked down the 3-ball as well. Fisher was active in the passing lanes and an excellent on-ball defender. He forced guards into errant passes, got out in the open court, finished, and was also one of the team’s better facilitators. The game seemed to slow down for him, and he had countless creative finishes around the basket rather it was reverses or floaters. He was one of the top guards at the event and a game-changer for Pluto, who went 4-0 on the weekend. </p>